MOst dearely beloued brother , I haue oftentimes desired to heare of you , all the doctrine of Christian religion in exact order , because once I heard you plainely and briefly discoursing of some points thereof , wherein I was not a little satisfied .

As my good will hath not at anie time in anie thing ben wanting vnto you ( most louing Theophilus ) so I will with the more readie mind performe that which you desire when it shall be conuenient , because the thing of it selfe is profitable , and I trust it shal be to mine own edifying . For this is proper to Christian doctrine , that the oftner it is handled , the more plentifully it setteth forward the force and working of it in the hearts of the faithfull .

Go to then , hast thou not now leysure , to declare vnto me euery head of Christian religion , in the order , wherein I haue determined to aske thee ? I will cause them to be put in writing , and so to be communicated with my brethren .

If I had not leysure , there is not any businesse which I would not leaue to satisfie you in this behalfe : for what is there , wherein time can be better spent ?

Seeing therefore our disputation shall be of Christian religion , I desire to be taught , what is meant by the word Religion .

Before I answer , I pray God our heauenly Father , to be present with vs by his holy Spirite , that we may neither thinke nor speake any thing , which may not tend to the honor of his own name , and to the edification of his whole Church .

The word , Religion , is deriued of a word that signifieth to binde And it is a spirituall bond , by the which men in a certaine holy reconciliation are made one with God , and are kept in his loue and feare , that at length they may be partakers of his heauenly glory , & of the blessed life . Which no Religion can do but that which is Christian , that is to saie , that which hath the foundation in Christ .

Why so ?

Because by Christ alone through faith we are reconciled vnto God , and that freely , and so are made one with God by a most neare bond , that he may bee glorified of vs in this life , and eternally in the heauens .

From whence haue we proofe of that ?

Out of the word of God , which is most certaine , and vpon the truth whereof resteth all Christian doctrine .

What vnderstandest thou by the word of God ?

The Canonicall books of the Bible , whereunto for this cause is giuen the name of holy Scripture .

How came it to passe , that those Bookes were called the Bible ?

The Christians of the primitiue Church , after they had gathered into one volume the bookes of the Prophets and Apostles , by an excellency called that volume in Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because those bookes farre passe others . For truly the word of God in worthinesse and excellency goeth beyond all the words of men .

But how maie it certainely be proued , that the doctrine which is contained in those bookes is the word of God , seeing that the Prophets and Apostles , who it is certainely knowne were men , were the authors and writers of them ?

First of all indeed it is necessarie , that the holy Ghost which spake by them , nay whose instruments onely they were , do engraue that faith in our hearts . Then , that assurance maie be confirmed by obseruing the speciall excellency , which it is easie to perceiue in those writings , as also the most holy effects which they worke in vs .

What excellency do you meane ?

effect 1 First of all , the maiesty of the Spirit of God , which shineth in them most euidently . For , euery where there appeare diuine and heauenlie things , nothing earthlie and mortall , or that agreeth with the corrupt affections of the flesh .

effect 2 Secondly , the consent of all the parts among them selues : for although they were written by diuerse writers , in sundry places , and at sundrie times , yet there is no lesse agreement betweene them , then if they had agreed together of the matter before .

effect 3 Finally the fulfilling of all the prophesies , deliuered long before , yet precisely accomplished each of them in their proper time . Ier. 26. 12. Dan 9. 24. Hence it is that Dauid giueth them most excellent commendation , saying : Psal. 12. 6. The words of the Lord are pure words , as the siluer is tried in a fornace of earth , fined seauen fold . I say nothing of their antiquitie , and that not without a miracle they were preserued among so manie enemies , which wold haue destroied them , and among such cruell persecutions .

But what holy effects do they worke in vs ?

This generall we maie marke , that the Church hath alwaies ( as it is at this day ) beene gathered together by the authoritie of the holy Scripture : that is to saie , a companie of men of diuers ages , sexes , and conditions , which worshippeth God according to the instructions and doctrine of that Scripture : a good part whereof in all ages hath sealed the same with their bloud . But the speciall or particular effects are , that they rauish the reader , & enforce him to the reuerence of God , no otherwise then as if God himself did speak .

Moreouer , that by the reading of them , our hearts are touched with an earnest feeling of our sinnes .

Last of all , that they lift vp our minds aboue all heauens , kindle within vs a desire of a better life , & cause vs that in comparison thereof , we do easily despise all other things .

All which are not done by the writings of men , notwithstanding they be artificiallie handled . Therefore the Apostle to the Hebrues saith , that the word of God is liuing , mightie in operation , and piercing more then anie two edged sword , and that it doth reach euen Heb. 4. 12. to the diuiding asunder of the soule and the spirite , of the ioynts and marrow .

Verily these are most strong arguments , to prooue the truth of Gods word . But there bee some which say , that all the authority of it dependeth vpon the Church .

They do , as if one should say , that the light of the sunne hangeth vpon the testimony of men . For as the Sunne shall not cease to shine , although all men be blind : euen so the word of God , shall neuer receiue losse , whether it be allowed or dissalowed of men .

Moreouer how can it be , that the authority of the word of God , should depend vpon the allowance or consent of the Church , seeing that the Church it selfe borroweth all her authoritie of the word , as it were of her foundation ? for it is built vpon the foundation of Ephes. 2. 20. the Apostles and Prophets .

But they say , that in this place , it is not meant of the truth of the word in it selfe , but of the meane whereby it is vnderstood , and receiued of men . Which they affirme to hang vppon the testimony and allowance of the Church . To which purpose they alleadge this saying of a certaine Father , I should not haue beleeued the Gospell , if the authoritie of the Aug. contra epist. fund . Manich. Church did not moue me

This sentence maketh not for them . For this was the mind of that holy man , that being a stranger from the faith , he was moued by the authoritie of the Church to embrace the Gospell , and that after by the working of the holy Ghost , he was confirmed it that faith . Which hee doth a little before declare in these words ; The Church first calleth vs to beleeue that , which yet we are not able to see , that being made stronger in faith , we may come to vnderstand that which we beleeue , not now men , but God himselfe inwardly strengthening and lightning our mind .

Which thing I doubt not but it is true , namely that the witnesse which the Church giueth to the word of God , doth not a little moue vs to embrace it . But then onely this is , when our faith is beginning : for when it is come to any age , and we our selues by reading & hearing of the word , haue tasted of that truth , then we beleeue not by the testimony of the Church , but by that which the holie Ghost sealeth in our hearts . In so much as if the Church should then teach vs a doctrin diuerse from that , we would not giue our consents vnto it . This shall be made plaine by the example of the Samaritanes . Those hearing the report of the woman with whom the Lord had spoken , that he was the Christ , beleeued . But after that themselues had heard him , they said vnto the woman , now wee beleeue not any Ioh. 4. 39. 42. more for thy saying , for we haue heard him our selues , and do know , that this is indeede the Christ , the Sauiour of the world .

This example bringeth no small light to this doubt . But hitherto sufficientlie of the truth , and authoritie of the word of God : now let vs in a few words consider , what it doth containe .

It hath in it at large , whatsoeuer concerneth the glorie of God for our good and saluation .

By what meanes doth it teach vs to attaine saluation ?

SEing God acquiteth not the guilty , it is so far off that by the knowledge of him , man is lifted vp into the hope of saluation , that cleane contrariwise he perceiueth his condemnation to be proued & confirmed , because he aboundeth with innumerable both infirmities and sinnes , for the which he is found guiltie before the most iust iudgement seate of Almightie God .

Of mans free will . Man is not onely as thou sayest , defiled with many vices and infirmities , but also by his own nature , 1. an enemie of God . 2. Full of wickednesse . 3. A seruant of sinne . That is to say , such a one as hath neither will nor power to do well .

Thou doest indeed very much throw down man .

Gen. 6. 5. I do it not , but God himself in these words . The wickednesse of man is great in the earth , Gene. 6. 5. and all the imaginations of the thoughts of their heart is only euil continually . Moreouer in the same Chapter he teacheth vs , Verse . 3. that man is nothing else but flesh .

And Saint Paule plainly affirmeth , Rom. 8. 7. that the vnderstanding of the flesh is enmitie against God : because saith he , it is not subiect to the law of God ▪ for indeed it cannot be .

The same also he affirmeth in another place , when he saith , Col. 1. 21. that we are strangers from God , and enemies , our mind being set vpon euill workes . As if he should say , that the enmitie hid in the heart , was bewrayed by euill deeds .

Rom. 7. 14. In another place also the same Apostle saith , that we are carnall , sold vnder sinne : that is , that we are the bondslaues of sinne .

2. Cor. 3. 5. Yea , he proceedeth so farre , to say , that of our selues we are not sufficient to thinke , much lesse able to do that which is good .

But was this the mind of the Apostle , to shew that all generally be bondmen of sinne ?

Rom. 3. 9. Yea verily . For , speaking of the natural corruption of man , out of the testimonie of Dauid , he plainly saith : We haue proued before , that both Iewes and Gentiles be vnder sinne . As it is written , there is none iust , no not one : there is not any which vnderstandeth , Psal. 14. 3. 53. 3. or which seeketh after God . They haue all gone out of the way , they haue bin made altogether vnprofitable . There is none that doth good , no not one .

The faithfull indeed , be exempted from that number , but yet not because they be not such by nature . But because God ( such is his mercy ) amendeth our wickednesse and corruption , by the benefit of regeneration , whereby he worketh in vs , both the will and the power to do well , as in the proper place shall be more largely declared . But all the vnbeleeuers , as they be vnprofitable to any good worke , so they are carried with great violence vnto euill .

But the thing of it selfe seemeth to prooue that it is otherwise . For there be , as there euer haue bene , some which haue bene endued with most excellent gifts .

The Scripture saith , it cannot be , that an ill tree should bring foorth good fruit . It may in deede sometime bring foorth such as be faire to the outward appearance , which notwithstanding are not good . So also a man may find many infidels , which do works hauing a beautifull shew , but such as cannot be good in deed . For the heart , which God specially looketh vnto , is corrupt and vncleane : for it cannot any way be made cleane but by faith . Therefore the Apostle saith : Act. 15. 9. Rom. 14. 23 What soeuer is not of faith is sinne .

Wherein standeth that vncleannesse of the heart ?

In that doing those beautifull works , they be neither touched with the loue nor feare of God , and therfore do not thinke of yeelding him obedience : neither is it maruell , seeing they know him not . Whom notwithstanding no man can loue or feare , before he do know him .

What is it then that mooueth them to do those works which are so faire in shew ?

cause 1 Some , because naturally they be not giuen to the vices which they leaue .

cause 2 Others , because they be restrained by a slauish feare of Gods iustice : or else for that they dreame to deserue somthing at the hands of God .

cause 3 Others for feare of lawes : or lest they should do any thing that might hinder their prosperitie .

cause 4 Or else their lustes doe striue as the ●…des , so as that which is the stronger preuayled ouer the rest , and bridleth them from breaking foorth into action . As for example , A vaingloriou● man will make a shew to be liberall , to the end he ●ay serue the turne of his ambition . On the oth●…●…de , a couetous man , that he may spare charges , wi●… light by honor , although his mind within be ●… fire with ambition . A proud man will be boun●… , to get prayse among the common people . Sh●●…at feareth the reproch of the people , al●… her mind be defiled with vnchast lusts , yet outwardly will be chast . Finally , the vnfaithfull neuer respect the glorie of God , when they thinke to do good works . Which neuerthelesse , is as it were the very life of good works ; so as if it be wanting , they cannot be acceptable vnto God .

If therefore all the goodly deeds which the vnfaithfull do , be of no account with God , he shall be in no better case which carrieth himselfe modestly , & keepeth vnder the lusts of his flesh , then he which passeth away all his life dissolutely .

No verily , not so . For God rewardeth those works , but only in this life . And oftentimes also he giueth them such things , in respect whereof they did their good deeds , as health , quiet life , prayse , good report among men , and such like . Therfore our Sauiour Christ saith , that the Scribes & Pharisies , in that they prayed Mat. 6. 16. and fasted to be praysed of men , had their reward .

Mat. 11. 22 Moreouer , the state of such as in this life haue behaued themselues modestly , shall be easier in the day of iudgement then of the other .

How can it be , that God should reward works which he liketh not , being such as were not done for his sake ?

Therby he declareth , how pleasing a thing true obedience is vnto him , for asmuch as he rewardeth the very shadow of it . Adde this hereunto , that he hath regard vnto those workes , not as they come from vncleane p●…sons , but from himselfe .

〈◊〉 what sense sayest thou , that those workes come from Go● ▪

I say that ●…d to the end that order & euen disposing of things may 〈◊〉 kept in the world , doth bridle the wickednesse of some and so maketh them fit to follow vertue . In respect ●…ereof we feare not in our common speach , to call them ●…ll borne , or of a good nature ; whereby we meane , that 〈◊〉 from the beginning of their life , God gaue them som● speciall grace . Which if it be not , there is no doubt but 〈◊〉 be such , as they are liuely pictured out of the Apost●… 〈◊〉 after he hath sayd , Rom. 3. 12. that there is not one which doth good , straightway he addeth , Psal. 5. 10. Their throat is an open sepulcher , they haue vsed their tongues to deceipt : the poison of Aspes is vnder their lips . Psal. 10. 7. Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitternesse . Their feete are swift to shed bloud . Isay . 59. 1. Destruction and calamitie are in their wayes . And the way of peace they haue not knowne . The feare of God is not before their eyes . Psal. 36. 2. Which testimonies are gathered by him out of sundry places of the old Testament , that he might procure the more authoritie and credit touching this matter .

But how could it be , that man the most excellent creature of al others , should be so much corrupted ?

It was not by his first nature , for he was made like vnto God , but by originall sinne , wherewith Adam by his disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit , infected himselfe and all mankind .

Tell me what that likenesse of God is , wherin thou sayest the first man was created : as also the originall sinne , wherwith mankind was tainted afterward .

Of the Image of God . The likenesse of God was , that the vnderstanding of man , was lightened with the true knowledge of God , and of the worship due vnto him . That also he had a right will framed to the obedience of God . Now it is called the image or likenes of God , because in those excellent gifts , man did shew & set out the wisedome , goodnesse and power of his creator . But when Adam by rebellion fell from this his estate , he was depriued of this likenesse , & together put on the likenesse of the deuill . That is to say , he was spoiled of those notable gifts , in stead whereof came in all manner of vices . As ,

1 The ignorance of God , and of his seruice .

2 Wickednesse , for he hated vertue , and loued sinne .

3 Weakenesse , vnto all goodnesse :

Of originall sinne . And this is the blot of the originall sinne , which being within vs as a fire of wickednesse and lust , doth continually breath out the fruits and effects of it , to wit , vngodlinesse and vnrighteousnesse .